2026-06-02 –, Main stage
2026 started with a bang: the EU Commission's consultation for a "European Open Digital Ecosystem Strategy" attracted more than 1600 submissions – making it one of the largest ever and underlining the demand for more Open Source in the EU! Can the EU Commission's proposals finally realise the potential of Open Source to deliver digital sovereignty?
In this APELL EU policy update, we will discuss current proposals like the Cloud and AI Development Act, the new Open Source Strategy and more, and find out what we can do to contribute to positive change.
The talk will give an easy bird's-eye view of where we are in the legislative cycle of the EU, and what current EU policy proposals affect Open Source. Notably the proposals for a Cloud and AI Development Act, the Commission's Open Source Strategy, the EU Public Procurement revision, Digital Networks Act and the Communication "Towards a European Open Digital Ecosystem". The presentation will allow the audience to understand implications for the Open Source ecosystem (non-commercial as well as businesses), and more importantly: how to become engaged and take action to improve.
(At the time of the CfP, some of the proposals to be discussed are still unreleased and have been announced to be published in the spring. Notably: Cloud and AI Development Act, Open Source Strategy, Public Procurement revision.)
Sebastian Raible is the Director EU Government affairs for APELL – The European Open Source Software Business Association. APELL represents European business associations and the Open Source industry. Among the businesses represented by APELL's members are primarily SMEs, some large companies, as well as public administrations, research institutions and individuals.
As a computer scientist and political advisor, Sebastian has many years of experience with the Open Source ecosystem. Sebastian has worked as a policy advisor in the European Parliament from 2015-2024, and contributed to a range of relevant dossiers. Most recently, Sebastian was part of the Parliament's negotiating team for the Artificial Intelligence Act, the Product Liability Directive, and the Data Act.